Saraki Urges PDP to Suspend Ibadan Convention Amid Court Conflicts
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He warned that going ahead with the event amid conflicting court orders and internal divisions could worsen the party’s crisis and threaten its future.
Saraki made the call in a post on his official X handle after receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, at his residence.
He described the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” saying key issues affecting the party’s stability were discussed in detail.
“Despite the selfless efforts by some of us, the convention has become mired in political and legal controversies which does not bode well for our party or Nigeria’s democracy,” Saraki said.
He stressed that political matters should be resolved through dialogue, not the courts, noting that conflicting judgments over the convention’s legality had created uncertainty about its outcome.
“As it stands, there are conflicting court orders on the convention. There’s no assurance its outcome will stand,” he said.
Saraki advised the BOT to immediately set up a Caretaker Committee to run the party temporarily, calling it the only way to rebuild trust and confidence among members.
“This is the path to true reconciliation and stability. It’s also how we can give confidence to those contesting elections on our platform,” he said.
He warned that proceeding with the convention in its current state would deepen the crisis. “Going ahead with the convention in Ibadan will fuel the current crisis. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution,” he added.
The PDP has been thrown into confusion ahead of the convention following a series of conflicting court rulings. On October 31, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention, citing the party’s failure to meet statutory notice requirements.
Barely two weeks later, on November 11, another Abuja court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, restrained the PDP and INEC from proceeding after former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido challenged his alleged exclusion from the chairmanship race.
Meanwhile, an Ibadan High Court, led by Justice Ladiran Akintola, extended an earlier order allowing the convention to hold as long as the party complied with its guidelines. That ruling remains valid until November 14.
The contradictory judgments have split the party. One camp, loyal to acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, insists the convention will go ahead. Another faction, linked to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has warned members to stay away, saying attendance would amount to contempt of court.
Despite the confusion, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insists the convention will hold as planned, accusing the ruling APC of attempting to destabilize the opposition party.
Analysts warn that the Ibadan convention could become a flashpoint unless urgent steps are taken to unify the PDP.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
